This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey | Share The Word

Obligations and Duties

Posted on January 8, 2018 by Mark Shields

Explained in Romans 13:1-7 is that people have obligations to civil authorities because God has established them and they are His servant so do right before them. It is God’s will that they are placed in the position and people should conform to their authority for they are an extension of God’s authority in relation to a society.

Many of the ideas of The U. S. constitution which is the supreme law of the land came from the principles found in the Bible and are an extension of God’s authority in a free society. Some may not respect the person in office but they must respect the office because the government was ordained by God. A person who refuses to obey authorities won’t obey God either.^*

Now if the man-made law is in conflict with the Law of God, a Christian must follow God. The attitude should be to use the proper channels in making things right and not agree to violence in retaliation. In other words, people that disagree with authorities can express their dissatisfaction in peaceful protest but the line is drawn when the expression crosses over into violence.

A nation cannot survive under corruption be it in our government, in our media, or in our businesses. So, it is up to each of us to fulfill our obligations and duties as a citizen. Organize neighbors that are close to God and willing to work on projects together for His purposes. Then our neighborhoods will bring more influence to civil authorities and to society as a whole.

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This day with You God, help us to live the way Jesus has taught. Sometimes things don’t line up in our society with Your way. Help us to work together so that things do begin to line up with the way you have laid out. Help us to use the proper channels in making things right. Help us to organize our neighbors so we have influence toward civil authorities and fulfill our obligations as a good citizen. Amen.

Nicholes, Lou. “Submit to Government.” Commentary » Romans 13:1-Romans 13:7 » Family-Times.net*. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 June 2017. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/romans-131/>.

Posted in Bible Study, Integrity | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Integrity, Neighborhoods, Prayer, Society | Leave a comment

The Week Ahead

Posted on January 7, 2018 by Mark Shields

This week, we will continue the study of the book of Romans and share more thoughts.

Below are some questions for reflection.

Romans 13:1-7
* What are your obligations to civil authorities (relate to 12:2)? In what ways are authorities an extension of God’s authority in relation to a society? What attitude should a Christian have if they are being punished wrongly?

Romans 13:8-14
* How is Love Related to justice (See 1-7)? If people ever truly loved like Paul discusses in this passage, would any commandment ever be broken? How will you love your neighbor as yourself today?

Believe that God has a great plan for you.

Victory starts by having a plan. By accepting God’s plan for us, all we need to do is follow and believe He will provide the power. He will give the upper hand to make what seems impossible possible.

*Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals | Tagged Bible Study, Christianity, Leadership, Plans, Prayer, Purpose, Quiet Time | 1 Comment

The Journey

Posted on January 6, 2018 by Mark Shields

A poem to all those getting ready for a new semester at school, beginning their career, or a year of new goals. For you have unique talents and abilities. Every ability and potential power you have was given for a purpose. All it takes is the courage to dream, to plan, to take action.

Step Ahead

You seek to go further
To places not dreamed of yet
With a hope … a wish
And willing to sweat.

All that is required
Is a mission
A clear vision
With ambition.

For you have unique
Talents … abilities
Out – and – out potential
With possibilities.

So take in knowledge
About whatever
Be it art or science
And put it together.

With new thoughts that fill
Your mind even more
And new discoveries
Never dreamed of before.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 01-04-2018
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Posted in Poems | Tagged Ambition, Art, Creativity, Discoveries, Dream, Ideas, Knowledge, Mission, Poetry, Science, Thoughts, Vision | Leave a comment

Victory in Life

Posted on January 5, 2018 by Mark Shields

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. – 1 John 5:4

Brought out in the post Overcome Evil with Good, were some main ideas expressed and emphasized within Romans 12:9-21. Imagine a society that obeyed these ideas. There would be much less crime, greater health, and much more productivity in the economy.

The game plan to obeying these ideas is to overcome evil with good by being faithful in prayer, being joyful in hope, and devoted to one another in brotherly love. If wronged, understand that God will take care of the injustice.

The key then is to focus on being on God’s side. My pastor Steve Ramsdell brought out in a sermon one time that our plans do not always work out but God’s plan for us always brings victory in life.

So this day with God, let Him in your life and allow for His power to bring hope to your future. Many of us hate losing. We may watch our favorite sports team and at some point they lose. We can be down for several days but with God, we never lose. There is always victory.

Just as brought out in the song My Victory by Crowder, we gain victory through Jesus Christ. His death on the cross was hell’s defeat. A cross meant to kill became the secret weapon to victory.

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Posted in Devotionals, Music | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Faith, Holy Spirit, Hope, Ideas, Joy, Life, Love, Praise, Teamwork, victory | Leave a comment

Overcome Evil with Good

Posted on January 4, 2018 by Mark Shields

The main ideas expressed and emphasized in Romans 12:9-21 are to overcome evil with good by being faithful in prayer, being joyful in hope, and being devoted to one another in brotherly love.

Imagine the effects of a world obeying these ideas. There would be much less crime, a healthier society, and much more productivity for our economy. The Holy Spirit would lead each individual to where they needed to go in their life.

To obey these ideas today, let us listen to what principles are taught in the Bible and always be growing in faith by looking forward to the future. If there are setbacks, remember that God is big enough to help us meet adversity head on. If wronged, know that God will make it right in the end because those that follow His way will be blessed.

Other ideas may include focusing on being a part of God’s team using unique strengths to build up His kingdom. Genuinely caring for one another with biblical fellowship and working together to build up the Temple of God. Building a spiritual team is similar to working out as an athletic team except instead of physical exercise, scripture is used to build up spiritual muscle.

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Lord, this day will be amazing because with You we gain more victories than all the grains of sand on earth. The Bible gives great advice and victory is assured through Jesus Christ. We may have unfinished projects or deadlines looming but what is most important is claiming the sure victory Christ gave us on the cross and to sharing this victory with others. Amen.